Daily WHUFC News - 24th June 2010

Upson stars for England
WHUFC.com
Matthew Upson helped England reach the FIFA World Cup second round with a
win over Slovenia
23.06.2010

Matthew Upson enjoyed a superb start to his 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign by
helping England to defeat Slovenia 1-0 in their final Group C fixture and
reach the second round.
The West Ham United captain, who lined up alongside former Academy schoolboy
John Terry, was rock solid on his first appearance in South Africa. Upson
was preferred to Tottenham Hotspur's Michael Dawson due to the absence of
Ledley King and Jamie Carragher through injury and suspension respectively,
and the Hammers defender did not let his country down at all. Indeed, in the
final minute of the 90, it was the 31-year-old who was in exactly the right
place to deny Zlatko Dedic with an inch-perfect sliding challenge.
Upson maintained his perfect record when he has partnered the Chelsea man at
the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Port Elizabeth - just as they did in defeating
Slovenia 2-1 in a friendly at Wembley in September 2009. Upson, who caught
the attention of many before kick-off with his passionate singing of the
national anthem, stood firm throughout the contest, making a number of
important blocks and getting forward to good effect. It was another player
with Hammers connections in Jermain Defoe, who spent five seasons at the
Boleyn Ground between 1999 and 2004, who netted the all-important
match-winner. The striker was in the right place to divert James Milner's
right-wing cross through the arms of goalkeeper Samir Handanovic on 22
minutes.
Fabio Capello's side had plenty of chances to add to their lead either side
of half-time but, somehow, the scoreline remained 1-0 in England's favour.
Before the break, Handanovic did well to keep out efforts from Academy
graduate Lampard, Defoe, Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard. Later, Rooney and
Terry were both denied by outstanding saves from Handanovic - the former
seeing his shot deflected on to the post - during an increasingly frantic
second half. Slovenia had their chances, too, with Terry and yet another
Academy graduate, Glen Johnson, making vital blocks to keep out efforts from
Andraz Kirm and Zlatko Dedic before Valter Birsa fired narrowly wide of
David James's goal. As time ran down a seventh player with West Ham
connections - and a fifth to have spent time within the club's famous
Academy - was sent into the action in the shape of substitute Joe Cole.
Following a nail-biting second half, England recovered from their
disappointing draws with the United States and Algeria to book their place
in the last 16. With the US defeating Algeria 1-0, both England and the
Americans go through to the second round, with Bob Bradley's side qualifying
as group winners. The Three Lions will face Germany at the Free State
Stadium in Mangaung/Bloemfontein on Sunday afternoon. Upson scored his only
England goal against the Germans in a Berlin friendly back in November 2008
when Terry's late winner sealed a 2-1 away win.

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High praise for Matt
WHUFC.com
Alan Shearer led the tributes for West Ham United captain Matthew Upson's
strong performance
23.06.2010

Matthew Upson rightly earned rave reviews for his display against Slovenia
as England won through to the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup on Wednesday.
The match was broadcast live on the BBC and much of the post-match analysis
of the 1-0 victory in Port Elizabeth focused on his tournament-saving tackle
on Zlatko Dedic in the 90th minute. Upson had only come into the side for
his finals bow following Ledley King's injury and Jamie Carragher's
suspension - and stood up to the task. Focusing on that last-ditch moment,
former England striker Alan Shearer said: "In a clutch of players, Matthew
Upson was brilliant . It must have been mentally tough for him to come in,
seeing the other players ahead of him like King and Carragher, but he came
in and did what he had to do."
Shearer's former international team-mate Lee Dixon was also full of praise,
and suggested as well that Upson should figure in the second-round tie on
Sunday afternoon against the as yet unknown winners of Group D. "He should
keep his place, he did everything he had to do," he said. Former Scotland
centre-back Alan Hansen also had positive things to say and suggested the
combination of Upson with John Terry "worked well". Of that crucial tackle,
he said: "What a tackle at what was a crucial point of the game. It was
absolutely perfect."

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'It was just a reaction'
WHUFC.com
Matthew Upson represented West Ham United to distinction with his defiant
display against Slovenia
23.06.2010

Matthew Upson was delighted to have played a vital role in England winning
through to the second phase of the FIFA World Cup. The West Ham United
captain performed well alongside John Terry in a 1-0 Group C victory over
Slovenia that owed much to a strong defensive display, although Jermain
Defoe will rightly get the headlines for his clinical strike midway through
the first half. Upson had his own decisive moment right at the death,
however, when he had to time a tackle to perfection to deny Zlatko Dedic an
equaliser that would have knocked the Three Lions out. Instead, they qualify
as runners-up behind the United States and face a last-16 tie on Sunday
afternoon against Germany. "It was just a bit of a reaction really," Upson
told the BBC. "The ball got flicked on I think and [there was] a knockdown
so I just turned sideways and saw the opportunity to take it. It had to be
timed right and it was. I was really pleased. "There are lots of
opportunities in a game and lots of decisions to make. Every minute of the
game there is something you have to think about and make a decision. It was
a reaction more than anything."
Upson's performance alongside Terry, Academy graduate Glen Johnson and the
outstanding Ashley Cole to his left helped give Fabio Capello's men the
platform to dominate the match, even if the scoreline did not reflect their
superiority. Going forward England were far removed from the team that had
laboured to draws against the US and Algeria.
"The shackles were off," added the 31-year-old. "It was noticeable to
everyone in the first couple of games that we weren't flowing in the way we
can do. The key for us was the freedom we played with, the change of
attitude and the way we just went about our job like it was a Saturday
afternoon in the Premier League. "The tempo was like that. In the end they
started to hit some long balls, it was dropping down and became a bit
scrappy. We are used to dealing with that kind of football and we did well
to see it through."

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Matt-through
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd June 2010
By: Staff Writer

Matthew Upson produced a fault-free performance at the heart of the England
defence as Fabio Capello's side squeezed through to the knockout stages of
the World Cup Finals.
The West Ham centre half was finally given an opportunity to add to his
numerous appearances during the qualifying stage as England qualified as
runners-up from Group C by virtue of a 1-0 win. Despite looking a little off
the pace once or twice during the early stages the Hammers captain was on
hand to make a number of vital interventions, including one notable block in
the final frantic minutes that averted what looked like a goalbound effort.
Speaking about that moment after the game, a delighted Upson said: "It was
just a reaction really, the ball got played into the box and it was flicked
on to the inside of me and I just took the opportunity. It had to be timed
right and I was really pleased I was able to. "I think it was noticeable in
the first couple of games we weren't flowing the way we can do and I thought
we showed that in patches today. There were lots of opportunities in the
game and every minute we had to make decisions and there was always
something to think about. It was just the reaction that was pleasing."
The England team, littered with West Ham stars both present and (mostly)
past secured a mouth-watering last 16 tie against old foe Germany thanks to
Jermain Defoe's first half strike. Accompanying Upson and Defoe in Capello's
team were former Hammers John Terry, Glenn Johnson, Frank Lampard and
(substitute) Joe Cole. Forgotten man Robert Green, whose World Cup appears
to be over since he was dropped following the disappointing 1-1 draw with
the USA was an unused substitute.

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Well Done Matt Upson, as Germany and Argentina lay ahead!
West Ham Till I Die

Matt Upson received criticism from Hammers fans last season, some of which
was justified and some not. I have always believed that Upson is an
experienced and quality left sided central defender. However, we did not
see enough of that quality last season. By his previous standards, he had
an indifferent season as part of a squad that almost imploded under the
burden of its inherent deficiencies.

However, Upson always performed well for England in the World Cup
qualifiers. He never let England down then and he did not yesterday either.
However, it has to be said that he has been treated pretty shabbily by the
England management, who relied heavily upon him in the qualifiers only to
later demote him in the squad's pecking order, as King and Carragher were
parachuted in ahead of him.

But he did the professional thing, he kept positive, trained and awaited his
chance to play. When it came along, he took it. He now deserves to stay in
the team for the Germany match. Capello must not do a 'Alvin Martin. ' You
may recall that in the last 16 match of the 1986 Finals, Alvin Martin came
in against Paraguay and did a sterling job in a 3-0 victory. Yet in the
quarter-final against Argentina, Martin was omitted once again, in favour of
Fenwick and Butcher. Maradona subsequently had a field day against them in
the infamous 2-1 defeat. Would Martin have done any better? I believe that
he would have done, but regardless, his prior display had earned him the
opportunity to play against Argentina.

Anyway, well done Matt Upson, you had the fans brick bats last season, now
accept the boquets! Just keep focused, maintain concentration and continue
doing the straightforward defensive things well. If you can also manage
some more top class tackles and ariel sortees in the opposition penalty
area, then so much the better!

Qualifying for the latter stages, as 2nd in their group, means that they
have a challenging route to the Semi-Finals. It means Germany in the last
sixteen and Argentina in the quarter-finals (failing a upset by Mexico).
Should we fear these contests? Of course not, the World Cup Final is about
playing and hopefully beating the best. These two teams are probably
England's greatest rivals in world football. We as fans should relish the
spectacle, the challenge, the passion and the history.

Although, I hasten to add that this is football rivalry, not some sort of
rematch of two World Wars and the Falklands conflict. Sport is sport, it is
not war by other means, as much as some tabloids would have us believe that
it is. National pride is fine, but we need to keep it rationale and real.

With regard to the England players, they have a golden opportunity to make
the nation banish past disappointments and focus on renewed glory. It's a
chance to avenge he reverses of 1970 and 1990, in the case of the Germans,
and the 1986 and 1998 defeats to Argentina. In addition, they can prove
their ability on the greatest stage of all, representing their country in
the latter stages of the FIFA World Cup Finals. What greater incentive
would any footballer want or need?

Can England win it, my pre-tournament prediction was that they could
progress to the semi-finals. Once they get to the latter stages it takes
not only good individual performances, team tactics and organisation, but
also a bit of good fortune at strategic junctures. We have had such
enormous bad luck since 1970, and that milestone defeat in Leon, maybe now
the pendulum is set to finally swing back the other way? So, lets keep our
feet on the ground, but be open to the possibility that, in the right
circumstances, we could progress to the Final.

And Brazil or Spain will likely await us at some point. Are they very good?
Yes. Are they unbeatable? No. The French proved in 1998 that a
passionate, committed and organised European team, with sufficient quality,
can beat Brazil. While, more recently, Switzerland destroyed Spain's myth
of invincibility. Certainly, if we were to beat Germany, Argentina and
Brazil or Spain, that would be a great achievement.

Could it happen? It is possible, if not probable! As the the popular
saying has it, stranger things have happened! And there may well be 'more
things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than dreamt of in your philosophy.'
(Hamlet, Act 1, Scene v)

If the odds ultimately prove too great, then at least give us fans a
glorious adventure that makes us proud of the players that wear the three
lions on their chest. While the team must be able to later look themselves
in the mirror and say, without regret, that individually and collectively
they gave it their very best shot.

SJ. Chandos.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 23rd June 2010

Carr keen on Cole
WHUFC.com
Tony Carr believes Academy graduate Joe Cole should be handed an England
chance against Slovenia
22.06.2010

Academy Director Tony Carr believes it is time for former student Joe Cole
to be given his chance to shine at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Carr, who was
recently made an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for his services
to football, has already seen Academy graduates Glen Johnson, Frank Lampard
and Jermain Defoe appear on the sport's biggest stage in South Africa.
However, with England failing to fire on all cylinders in their opening two
Group C fixtures and desperate for the victory over Slovenia that will
ensure their progress to the last 16 on Wednesday, Carr is one of many who
think manager Fabio Capello should call for the mercurial Cole. "It has to
be said that the World Cup hasn't really come alive yet, for me," Carr told
WHUTV. "One or two of the games have been very good and there have been one
or two brilliant performances, but generally it's been very mundane stuff
and England, to be fair, have been really disappointing. "We have had two
disappointing results and, as we speak today, we have it all to do against
Slovenia. Hopefully we can get the win and if we do, we can wipe the slate
clean and start again. It won't be easy, though, and will be a very nervy
game for both teams. I just hope we can get that one goal and go on from
there. "I said before the tournament started that this could be Joe's World
Cup. He's injury-free and has finished the season really strongly. He's also
fresh because he hasn't played 50 or 60 games this season. "To be fair, he's
one that could unlock the door for us and do something different. It's not
that he's the only one and that others can't make things happen or score
goals, but Joe can do that unorthodox thing and come up in different and
difficult areas for the opposition.
"I think he's worth his chance because we can't be much worse than we've
been in the last two games."
Cole, 28, has scored ten goals in 54 games for England, including an
outstanding volley in England's final group-stage fixture against Sweden at
the last World Cup in Germany in 2006. He recently returned to the Boleyn
Ground to honour former mentor Carr at the Academy Director's successful
testimonial match. While Carr has been watching the World Cup closely, he
has also been preparing for the start of pre-season training on Monday 5
July. With the likes of England Under-17 forward and UEFA European U17
Championship winner Rob Hall and England U16 midfielders Matthias Fanimo and
Blair Turgott among those set to become full-time scholars next month, the
Academy Director also told WHUTV of his excitement ahead of the 2010/11
campaign.

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'Hold nothing back'
WHUFC.com
Matthew Upson has issued a rallying cry ahead of England's FIFA World Cup
meeting with Slovenia
22.06.2010

Matthew Upson is desperate to help England to reach the second round of the
2010 FIFA World Cup. The West Ham United captain has already been confirmed
as a member of Fabio Capello's starting lineup for Wednesday afternoon's
make-or-break Group C meeting with Slovenia at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in
Port Elizabeth. The experienced defender will partner former Academy of
Football youngster John Terry at the heart of the back four, with former
Hammers Glen Johnson and David James also expected to form part of Capello's
defence. England must win to guarantee their passage to the last 16, and
Upson fully expects the Three Lions to roar when they need to most. "We are
all good players, everyone has great ability," insisted the 31-year-old, who
started alongside Terry on the only previous occasion England have met
Slovenia - a 2-1 friendly victory at Wembley in September 2009. "We need to
get the best out of ourselves and that's an individual thing as well as a
team thing. "It's down to us as individuals to make sure we are in the right
frame of mind and let it flow, let it happen and hold nothing back."
England have come under widespread criticism for their stuttering displays
in drawing with the United States and Algeria in their opening two matches,
while Capello's relationship with some of his players has been the subject
of much media speculation over the past few days. However, Upson believes
Team England are ready to put in a much-improved display when they meet the
Slovenians. "Everyone was disappointed after the Algeria game," said the
centre-back. "We had some spare time in Cape Town and everyone went off and
reflected on what happened. We have had to put that behind us and move on to
the next game. It's all down now to the game on Wednesday. "Our training
through the whole five weeks has been outstanding. The sessions have been
first class. The matches haven't been a reflection of how well we have
trained as a group, which is frustrating."
Upson will become the third West Ham centre-back to represent England at a
World Cup finals, following in the footsteps of Bobby Moore, who appeared in
1962 and 1970 and famously lifted the Jules Rimet Trophy in 1966, and Alvin
Martin, who featured once in 1986. England must win to guarantee their
passage to the second phase while a point will definitely be enough for
Slovenia. Should the match end in a draw, England will progress should the
US lose. To complicate matters still further, Capello's side could also go
through with a draw of 3-3 or greater should the Americans be held goalless
by Algeria.

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Matthew Upson's ex-mentor backs him for England glory
BBC.co.uk

Matthew Upson's former youth coach at Luton Town, John Moore, believes the
England centre-back has the attributes to do his country proud in the World
Cup. The West Ham defender has found himself thrust into action in Port
Elizabeth after injuries to fellow centre-halves Rio Ferdinand and Ledley
King and the suspension of Jamie Carragher. Upson's career began at
Kenilworth Road when he was signed up as a trainee in 1994 and then agreed
professional terms two years later. The 31-year-old made only one appearance
for the Hatters, coming on in the 88th minute during a 1-0 win over
Rotherham in August 1996, but has since been held up as an example of the
quality young players Luton were able to produce. Upson is the biggest
success story from a crop of players, including Matthew Spring and Gary
Doherty, as the Suffolk-born defender switched to Arsenal for £2m in 1997
and went on to make 47 appearances for the Gunners. Moore, who played 274
times during an eight-year spell at Kenilworth Road, was Luton's youth team
coach when Arsene Wenger came calling for his starlet's services. After 19
England caps and one international goal Upson has been charged with helping
to steady his nation's ship during what has so far been a tense opening to
the World Cup for Fabio Capello's side. "It's a fantastic achievement for
Matthew. It's the climax of his ambitions really to play in the World Cup,"
Moore told BBC Three Counties. "It's a fantastic opportunity for him and I
hope he can do well."
Youngsters who go on to great things are often touted as having something
special from the moment they start playing but, according to Moore, that was
not the case with Upson. "One of his problems was, as a 14-year-old, he grew
very quickly. He was initially a midfield player and then he grew and became
this big beanpole," the Scot said.
"Sometimes your co-ordination goes because of that so we moved him to play
at the back and he obviously bounced on from then."
Moore, who managed the Hatters for one season in 1986, leading the club to
seventh in the old First Division, admits seeing players like Upson flourish
is a perk of the job.
"What I enjoyed was the fact that you could take a boy coming in from school
and help them achieve their ambition," he said. "In a sport that is very
cruel and ruthless, I have tremendous admiration for any boy who's come
through and done it, because to get to where Matthew's got you have to
persevere against the odds."
England fans will be hoping Upson's perseverance pays dividends against
Slovenia on Wednesday.

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Gyan flattered by Prem link
Ghana forward welcomes reports of English interest
By Giscard Gourizro Last updated: 22nd June 2010
SSN

Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan has welcomed reports linking him with a move to
the Premier League. It is claimed that the 24-year-old, who is currently on
the books of French outfit Rennes, is attracting interest from West Ham
United. A couple of star showings at this summer's World Cup have helped to
raise his profile and bring him to the attention of clubs across Europe.
Gyan has scored in both of Ghana's games in South Africa so far and he is
delighted to hear that his performances are catching the eye in England. "I
am flattered by interest from the Premier League, but I am concentrating on
helping Ghana into the next round of the World Cup," he told skysports.com.
"It looks like we might be the only African nation with a genuine chance of
reaching the next round."
Gyan, who found the target on 10 occasions in Ligue 1 for Rennes last
season, insists he will not be pushing for a switch this summer but admits
the chance to play in the Premier League would be difficult to turn down.
"It is simply the best league in the world and every player wants to be part
of it," he added. "I have a contract with Rennes and they will have a say as
well. They have been brilliant to me and if I do leave it will be on good
terms."

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Upson: We can go through like Italia 90
Published 23:00 22/06/10 By John Cross in Port Elizabeth
The Mirror

Matt Upson is determined to draw on the spirit of Italia 90 to help England
save their World Cup campaign. West Ham defender Upson comes back into the
starting line-up against Slovenia today facing a similar mission as 20 years
ago. The late Sir Bobby Robson endured a difficult start after two draws and
yet England went on to reach the semi final which is their best tournament
since 1966. It is a similar backs-to-the-wall story now and an equally tight
Group after England's poor start leaves them needing a victory at the Nelson
Mandela Bay Stadium today to guarantee reaching the second phase. But Upson
believes that England are best when facing adversity and he says his own
memories of Gazza, Lineker, Pearce and Co can help Fabio Capello's men
progress. Upson said: "I remember the tournament really well, I was eleven
at the time, it was that age for me of just watching and playing football
non stop. "The World Cup was a really big event for me at that time and I
watched every game. "I remember the tournament very strongly and England did
really well and got a lot of praise for how well they did, so I'd love to be
in a similar position in a few weeks' time. "I think every time you hit a
moment of adversity it is a time to shine. It's an opportunity for you as a
group to get together and get stronger. "That's why I hope we can approach
it in the right way, relax and be our normal selves, and I think we'll come
through that and hopefully move on to further stages in the tournament."
Upson has a formidable record alongside John Terry in England's central
defence - six games together under Capello and six wins. That perhaps
explains Upson's disappointment when Capello called up Jamie Carragher and
Ledley King from the international wilderness to go to the World Cup and
both started ahead of him in South Africa. But Upson is one of the most
honest, intelligent and focused members of Capello's 23 man squad in South
Africa and is now determined to make his partnership with Terry work again.
Terry and Upson were together when England beat Slovenia in a friendly last
September at Wembley and is convinced that if they can fulfil their
potential then they can win through from Group C. Upson said: "It's been a
case of being patient and being focused really, even though I haven't played
yet. I suppose I have been a little bit disappointed but that's what it's
about, now I've got an opportunity and I want to take it. "I feel very
comfortable playing with John, as with all of the lads here. I've probably
teamed up with him the most out of all my England caps. "I enjoy playing
with him, I know what he's about. With the decisions that he makes you get
to know a player, so I try and complement that. "I remember Slovenia being
very good on the counter attack, when we went forward and had a lot of
pressure they would break very well. "They're a decent side and they've
shown in this tournament that they're capable of causing some damage, so
we're going to have to be on our game. "But I'm just looking forward to the
whole occasion, and I just want to get out on the pitch and play."
For Upson, the Slovenia game is all about England being able to play to
their potential and strip away any doubts as he still believes the current
squad can be successful in South Africa. Upson added: "I think everyone has
been committed from the start, it's just been our approach to games and our
mentality possibly. I think we're all great players, everyone has great
ability and they wouldn't be here if they couldn't do the job. "We need to
get the best out of ourselves, and I think that's an individual thing as
well as a team thing. If we as individuals can press the button and go out
and play our best, then obviously the team will be successful. "But it's
down to us as individuals to make sure we are in the right frame of mind and
go out there and let it flow, let it happen, hold nothing back. "I think
people would have wanted us to get off to a better start, and have more
points on the board by now. As it is that hasn't happened but we have an
opportunity to win a football match and go through, which is what tournament
football is all about. "It's a test for us, but if we go through every game
will be a bigger test. So it's a case of are we ready for it and how we
prepare for it."

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Hammers target Marveaux to stay at Rennes
By Soccernet staff
June 22, 2010
ESPN

French Ligue 1 side Rennes are battling to keep hold of Sylvain Marveaux
amid reports West Ham United are preparing a £3 million bid for the
midfielder. New Hammers boss Avram Grant is expected to fund the swoop by
offloading Swiss International Valon Behrami and Marveaux, who has been
compared to Chelsea and France winger Florent Malouda, appears willing to
move on. "Rennes is my club and I owe them because I have been trained by
them and they gave me my chance," Marveaux told Sky Sports. "But today,
large French and European clubs want me, and that has left me thinking, at
24, I think it is time to move on."
However, the club's general manager, Pierre Dreossi, insists his club have
no intention of letting Marveaux leave. "I have said this before and I
repeat, Sylvain Marveaux will be with Rennes next season," Dreossi said. "I
do not usually change my mind, I've demonstrated that in the past. We are
looking forward to a good season and expect Sylvain to be part of that."
Marveux, who impressed in Ligue 1 last season, would become the Hammers
second signing of the summer after former Aston Villa winger Thomas
Hitzlsperger completed a free transfer from Lazio.

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England v Slovenia: Matthew Upson issues World Cup 2010 rallying cry
Matthew Upson has called on the England players "to get the best out of
themselves" in Wednesday's must-win World Cup clash against Slovenia.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Telegraph staff and agencies
Published: 12:50PM BST 22 Jun 2010

Matthew Upson has called on England's players to get the best out of
themselves in Wednesday's World Cup clash with Slovenia Photo: AP England
have turned in two poor performances so far in South Africa, against the
United States and Algeria, leaving their hopes of progressing to the
knockout stages hanging by a thread. Upson has been told by manager Fabio
Capello he will start tomorrow with Ledley King injured and Jamie Carragher
suspended and the West Ham defender is calling for a much-improved display.
Sport on television "We are all good players, everyone has great ability,"
Upson said. "We need to get the best out of ourselves and that's an
individual thing as well as a team thing. "It's down to us as individuals to
make sure we are in the right frame of mind and let it flow, let it happen
and hold nothing back." The goalless draw against Algeria on Friday dented
England's hopes of getting out of Group C and saw the fans turn on the
players. But Upson insists the result, and performance, are now out of the
players' systems. "Everyone was disappointed after the Algeria game," he
added. "We had some spare time in Cape Town and everyone went off and
reflected on what happened.
"We have had to put that behind us and move on to the next game. It's all
down now to the game on Wednesday."
Despite some fans questioning Capello's squad and team selections so far,
Upson insists the Italian has got it spot on on the training field. He said:
"Our training through the whole five weeks has been outstanding. The
sessions have been first class. The matches haven't been a reflection of how
well we have trained as a group, which is frustrating."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 22nd June 2010

Alvin backs Matt
WHUFC.com
The last Hammers defender to play for England at the FIFA World Cup has wished Matthew Upson well
22.06.2010

Former West Ham United and England defender Alvin Martin is in no doubt Matthew Upson will "do everyone proud" when he makes his FIFA World Cup bow on Wednesday against Slovenia. The club captain is set to start for his country in the must-win afternoon fixture in Port Elizabeth after England boss Fabio Capello stated in his press briefing that he would pick 31-year-old Upson to play alongside John Terry at the heart of the England defence. The pair actually played alongside each other in the 2-1 friendly defeat of the Slovenians at Wembley last September. The No15 moved in line for his 20th cap for his country ahead of Tottenham Hotspur's Michael Dawson, with Ledley King injured and Jamie Carragher suspended. For Martin, who was the last Hammers defender to feature for the Three Lions in a World Cup tie in 1986, it was the right choice. "It is fantastic for Matthew," he told whufc.com. "I am well chuffed for him. Matthew is left-footed, has the ability to deal with pace and will slot in well alongside Terry. "From the feedback I have had out here [in South Africa], it has been all positive about Matthew and I am sure he will go out there and do a good job for his country. "He has experience and won't be daunted by having to come in like this having not yet played in the tournament and with the emphasis on it being such a crucial match for England. "It is often more difficult to be in and out of a team especially at this level, then playing near-on every game, but this won't phase Matthew at all. I certainly have no doubts that he can do well and won't let us down."
Martin is at the finals doing commentary work for talkSPORT and lending his considerable experience to covering the matches for the radio broadcaster as well as enjoying a tournament he feels is "getting going now". Speaking about his own experience playing in a World Cup finals when he memorably shone in a 3-0 second-round defeat of Paraguay in the Mexico finals 24 years ago, he said: "It is great and something you never ever forget. I am still talking and remembering it all now and it is part of the reason I am getting to work out here as well, to be able to talk about it. "I know how special it is, to be able to pull on the shirt for your country in the World Cup."
Martin also had a note of reassurance for Hammers keeper Robert Green and said he believed the 30-year-old shot-stopper would not be affected long term by the mistake against the United States that cost him his place in last Friday's second Group C match against Algeria. He said he would emerge even stronger for the experience. "For Robert, it was terrible when it happened. He made a mistake but he is a very good goalkeeper still and you can't take that away from him over one mistake. He didn't let anyone down, he made a mistake. "The best thing was that he came out afterwards, straight away, and said it was a mistake. He spoke to the press and dealt with it all in the best way possible. I know from being out here that all of that went down very well with everyone here. "He has then just got on with working hard in training. The first thought from pretty much everyone here when it happened, was sympathy for him and his family. "Although it was something he wouldn't have wanted to experience, he is a strong character and lad and I don't think his confidence long-term will be affected. "When he returns for the new season for West Ham, he will be stronger for it. Both he and Matthew can come back stronger and ahead in fitness having being playing and training like this in the summer and that can only be good for West Ham."

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Red card woe for Behrami
WHUFC.com
West Ham United midfielder Valon Behrami was sent off playing for Switzerland on Monday
21.06.2010

Valon Behrami was unfortunate to be shown a straight red card on his first outing at the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals. The West Ham United midfielder was making his bow in South Africa after missing the 1-0 win against Spain last Wednesday through injury. He was named in the starting lineup for Monday's 1-0 defeat by Chile but lasted only 30 minutes before being shown a red card for violent conduct. Behrami was involved in a tussle with Arturo Vidal that saw the Chilean go to ground as he was being shielded from the ball. It could mean a three-match ban for the Hammers player, with the Swiss set to conclude their Group H campaign against Honduras on Friday night. He said: "I said sorry to my team-mates and they told me 'you don't need to apologise for that because it was astonishing'. "In the tackle I was going for the ball, I had no need to touch him. I felt a contact and I lost my balance so I moved my hands and I touched him here [his neck] and he put his hand here [his face] - that is incredible."

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Upson to start for England
WHUFC.com
West Ham United captain Matthew Upson is in pole position for England on Wednesday
21.06.2010

Matthew Upson will make his FIFA World Cup bow on Wednesday against Slovenia. Fabio Capello confirmed the West Ham United captain would line up alongside John Terry during his press briefings on Monday morning, with Jamie Carragher suspended and Ledley King injured. Upson, 31, has never been on the losing side when playing with Terry for England and has won 19 caps overall, with one goal. The huge encounter in Port Elizabeth, which starts at 3pm, comes after two Group C draws have left England needing a victory to be certain of progressing to the last 16 of the finals in South Africa. Robert Green is expected to be on the bench, after David James got the nod for last Friday's goalless draw with Algeria.

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Cristian signs
WHUFC.com
Cristian Montano has signed his first professional contract and is looking forward to making a big impact next season
21.06.2010

Cristian Montano is setting his sights high after agreeing his first professional contract with West Ham United. The forward finished as the leading scorer in the Hammers' FA Premier Academy League side with nine goals in 18 games. Montano, who was born in Colombia before moving to London as a child, also made ten Barclays Premier Reserve League appearances, netting his first goal in the 3-2 home win over Fulham in April. The 18-year-old capped a memorable season by winning the Doris Bell Award for the club's most-promising youngster, being presented with the trophy in front of the first team following the final Barclays Premier League fixture of the season at the Boleyn Ground in May. Now, he has agreed a new deal and is already taking aim at following in the bootsteps of his idol, the former Parma, Newcastle United and Colombia forward Faustino Asprilla. "It's just a great feeling, I can't describe it," he told WHUTV. "I wasn't expecting it at first, especially when I got injured against Newcastle [United in the FA Youth Cup fifth-round defeat on 3 February], but then I got back in the team and probably proved myself again and here I am. I am looking forward to next season and carrying on proving myself. "I joined West Ham when I was an Under-12 and since then I've been doing well. I've had some problems with injuries, but now I'm injury-free and I can keep going and doing well and show the fans what I'm capable of when I get my chance. "I can describe myself as being like Faustino Asprilla, the Colombian footballer who played for Newcastle. The way he runs with the ball and the things he does - I look up to him as well. He is Colombian like me and I would like to make the career he made, or even a better career in football."
While international football may still be some way off, Montano's powerful and elusive running and goalscoring ability have already been spotted by Colombian Football Federation scouts, who invited him to train with the senior squad prior to their friendly meeting with the Republic of Ireland in May 2008. "I trained with Colombia a couple of years ago when I was 16 after the season and it was a good experience, training with people like Falcao who have played in the Champions League. It helped me want to play for Colombia even more. That's my country and where I come from originally."
In truth, Montano is modest about his own ability, but is confident enough to suggest that he sees his long-term future at the Boleyn Ground. Citing fellow Academy graduate Zavon Hines as an example to follow, the teenager is keen to catch the eye of new manager Avram Grant when pre-season training starts on Monday 5 July. "I would like to achieve a lot of things. I'd like to prove myself to the new manager because it's a fresh start for everyone. I'm going to keep doing what I've been doing and hopefully he'll see it and give me a chance. "If not, I want to do well when I play for the reserves and probably get out on loan and have some first-team experience somewhere else, then I can come back and break into the first team. "I would like to play for West Ham until they want to do something with me later in life, but I wouldn't want to leave West Ham because this is where I started my career and I want to go places with this team."

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Red for Val
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 21st June 2010
By: Staff Writer

Valon Behrami's Wold Cup could be over after he was dismissed during the first half of this afternoon's 1-0 defeat by Chile. The United midfielder, starting his first game of the tournament became the first Swiss player to receive a red card at the World Cup Finals when he was dismissed on the half-hour mark. Behrami was issued a straight red card for raising his arm to shield the ball from Chile's number eight Arturo Vidal, who fell to the floor theatrically upon contact. The West Ham player was stunned to be issued the red card by Saudi referee Khalil Al Ghamdi. The 25-year-old will now miss Switzerland's final group game against Honduras, a match which they will almost certainly need to win in order to qualify for the knockout stages ahead of pre-tournament favourites Spain.

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Olympic stadium built on toxic dump
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 21st June 2010
By: Staff Writer

It has been revealed that West Ham United's proposed new stadium has been built on a radioactive waste dump. The Olympic Stadium at Stratford, which is scheduled for completion next year ahead of the 2012 games has been erected on a site used in the 1950s and 1960s to dump radioactive waste, according to a story in today's Guardian.
The Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) are understood to have reported in 2008 that up to 50 tonnes of radioactive waste - which showed levels of radiation three times higher than the accepted safe level - were found on the site when building work commenced. However building was allowed to continue as when added to the general waste found over the immediate area of the entire site - some 1,500 tonnes in all - the level of radioactive material fell below the legal limit. In all, it is claimed that up to 100 tonnes of radioactive waste is buried on the Olympic site - something that data analyst John Large, assisted by environmental campaigner Mike Wells and intelligence analyst Paul Charman, is keen to highlight. "As part of the on-site assaying, the ODA contractors were clearly separating out exempt waste from non-exempt batches of low-level waste with the intention of sending this higher activity non-exempt waste to a radioactive waste disposal site," he said. "At the best, this might be interpreted as a misplaced interpretation of the radioactive waste regulations or, at the worse, some might view it as blatantly cooking the books to save on the high cost of off-site radioactive waste disposal."
In reply, ODA Director of Infrastructure Simon Wright refuted claims that the area is potentially dangerous to people visiting on a regular occasion, stating: "The Olympic Park and all venue sites are completely safe with no radiation measurements above the normal background levels that people would experience in their everyday lives. "We have been open and transparent about the contamination found on the Olympic Park site, a former industrial landfill site. As previously announced, a small amount of soil containing traces of very low-level radioactive material, classed as 'exempt' under current environmental law, has been safely buried in a cell on site, using a proven, safe and approved method of disposing of such material."
Despite Wright's claims, it is thought that no further development work will be allowed on the site of the Olympic Park due to the inherent danger of exposing 100 tonnes of radioactive waste lying just below the surface in a highly-poulated urban area.

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At last
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 21st June 2010
By: Staff Writer

Matthew Upson is set to make his World Cup bow in England's must-win game against Slovenia on Wednesday night. Under-pressure England manager Fabio Capello confirmed during a press conference this morning that the 30-year-old Hammer will start alongside Chelsea's John Terry at the heart of the English defence in a game that the Three Lions must win in order to progress to the knock-out stages of the competition. Despite starring in the majority of England's World Cup qualifying matches Upson was dropped first for Ledley King, who sustained an injury during England's opening game against the USA, and then left out as Jamie Carragher, who had previously announced his retirement from the international scene, replaced the Tottenham man. But with Carragher suspended for the Slovenia game having picked up two yellow cards in England's opening two matches Upson is in almost by default, being preferred to England's only other fit centre half, Tottenham's Michael Dawson (who was only drafted into the squad following Rio Ferdinand's withdrawal). Despite the squad rallying behind Robert Green, who was dropped for making a solo mistake against the US, the Hammers stopper is unlikely to feature with Portsmouth's 39-year-old goalkeeper David James expected to retain his place.

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Hammers fail with Barca bid
Fontas opts to stay at Camp Nou
Last updated: 22nd June 2010
SSN

West Ham have failed with a bid to lure Barcelona starlet Andreu Fontas to Upton Park, skysports.com understands. Fontas' current deal has a buy-out clause of just €3million (£2.5million) and The Hammers made their move to land the highly-rated defender. West Ham went as far as agreeing terms with the 20-year-old and were ready to conclude a deal for him. However, Barca - who have lost a string of top youngsters in similar circumstances in recent years - have now persuaded Fontas that he is very much part of their first-team plans and he is set to sign a long-term deal at Camp Nou. Fontas made his debut for Barca's first-team last season and Pep Guardiola is ready to include him in his plans next term. Meanwhile, West Ham have confirmed that their young striker Cristian Montano has agreed his first professional contract with the club. The 18-year-old Colombian-born striker has penned a one-year deal.

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Rennes - Marveaux staying put
West Ham target not for sale
By Patricio Figueroa & Graeme Bailey Last updated: 22nd June 2010
SSN

Rennes have told West Ham United target Sylvain Marveaux that he is staying put this summer. The Hammers have been linked with a move for the 24-year-old midfielder, who had an excellent campaign with the Brittany club last term. Marveaux himself has revealed the interest in him is high and that he feels he should be allowed to leave Rennes, the club where he has spent his entire career. "Rennes is my club and I owe them because I have been trained by them and they gave me my chance," he said. "But today, large French and European clubs want me, and that has left me thinking, at 24, I think it is time to move on."
Despite the interest, and Marveaux's sentiments, Rennes are standing firm and their general manager Pierre Dreossi insists they will not be selling. Rennes have recently sold Jimmy Briand to Lyon, meaning that they are in no need to raise any money from further sales. "I have said this before and I repeat, Sylvain Marveaux will be with Rennes next season," said Dreossi. "I do not usually change my mind, I've demonstrated that in the past. "We are looking forward to a good season and expect Sylvain to be part of that."
Following the departures of Briand and Petter Hanson, who joined Monaco, Rennes are wasting little time in adding to their squad. They have completed a deal for Le Havre starlet Jean-Armel Kana Biyik, who has signed a four-year contract. They are also hopeful of completing a deal for Nigerian international stopper Onyekacki Apam from Nice after bidding more than £4million for his services. Apam is also set to sign a four-year deal with the club. Likewise Cameroonian international Georges Mandjeck is putting the finishing touches to his switch from Stuttgart.

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Behrami to discuss future
Midfielder attracts interest claims agent
By Simone Bargellini Last updated: 21st June 2010
SSN

West Ham midfielder Valon Behrami will meet with the club after the World Cup to discuss his future. The 25-year-old Switzerland international is currently competing in the South Africa tournament, and he helped produce a big shock as his side beat European champions Spain 1-0 in their opening match. Behrami has been at West Ham since joining from Lazio in 2008, and he has also had a spell in Italy with Genoa. Serie A outfit Palermo are thought to be interested in his signature, but his agent Alessandro Beltrami believes the Hammers do not want to sell someone who they regard as a key player. Beltrami told Sportitalia: "I have some contacts in the market because Valon is a player who is liked. "We have agreed with West Ham to meet and discuss after the World Cup but the last time they spoke to me they told me that they consider Behrami non-transferable. "Who wants him? Palermo did in January but West Ham had to stay up and they needed Valon."

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Chile v Switzerland: Valon Behrami hopes to get another chance at the World Cup
Switzerland midfielder Valon Behrami is hoping his team-mates can keep his World Cup dream alive following his sending-off in the 1-0 defeat to Chile.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Telegraph staff and agencies
Published: 4:37AM BST 22 Jun 2010

Valon Behrami hopes his Switzerland team-mates can qualifty for the knockout stages after his red card against Chile means he will miss the final group game against Honduras Photo: AP The 25-year-old West Ham United player was dismissed for elbowing Chilean counterpart Arturo Vidal seconds after clashing with Jean Beausejour 30 minutes into a tense encounter at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Behrami later protested his innocence but will take no part in the Group H finale against Honduras as the Swiss attempt to make the most of their opening victory over Spain to book their place in the last 16. 'Of course my team-mates will go to the next round because we deserve that - and after this decision, we deserve better. It will come back for us," Behrami said. ''How I feel now is that it's destroyed my World Cup. A season like this, it's unbelievable. ''It surprised me because it's normal to have contact in football. My movement wasn't intended to create damage or do something to the player. ''I just wanted to protect the ball, like I have done every time. It's unbelievable for me.''
Switzerland were already having to defend in numbers when Behrami's premature departure made their task all the more difficult. Swiss boss Ottmar Hitzfeld was unhappy with the sending-off but admitted his side could have come away with a draw. ''We had a great chance in the 90th minute, and a 1-1 draw would have been the perfect result for us,"he said. ''It would have been deserved as well because we had to play 10 v 11 for 60 minutes and particularly because the red card wasn't a red card, in my view.''

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Behrami rages at Vidal
Published: Tue Jun 22 2010, 9.56AM
ITV

Switzerland midfielder Valon Behrami accused Chile counterpart Arturo Vidal of destroying his World Cup after he was sent off in Monday's Group H clash. The West Ham player was given a straight red card by Saudi Arabian referee Khalil Al Ghamdi after tangling with Jean Beausejour and then Vidal 30 minutes into his side's 1-0 defeat by the South Americans. Behrami said: "How I feel now is that it's destroyed my World Cup. A season like this, it's unbelievable. I just wanted to protect the ball, like I have done every time. It's unbelievable for me." He added: "It surprised me because it's normal to have contact in football. My movement wasn't [intended] to create damage or do something to the player." Swiss coach Ottmar Hitzfeld was even more scathing about the decision, which left his team facing a desperate fight to stay in the game. He said: "Of course I was angry because I was just three or four metres away when Valon Behrami defended the ball and then Vidal fell down with a lot of drama. It was quite a performance. "It clearly wasn't a red card - it wasn't even a yellow card. It was unfair on the part of Vidal to roll around on the floor simply asking for the red card. "There are some referees who should whistle on the field and some who should whistle on the beach."

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World Cup 2010: Switzerland's Valon Behrami Adamant That Arturo Vidal 'Dive' Destroyed His Tournament
West Ham midfielder adamant referee was wrong to dismiss him…
By Rupert Fryer
Jun 21, 2010 6:21:00 PM
Goal.com

Switzerland midfielder Valon Behrami has admitted he was surprised by referee Khalil Al-Ghamdi's decision to show him a straight red card in his side's 1-0 defeat at the hands of Chile today. Behrami was given his marching orders after a flailing arm caught Chile's Arturo Vidal and the West Ham man was devastated with the decision. "How I feel now is that it's destroyed my World Cup. A season like this, it's unbelievable," said Behrami to the microphones of Goal.com. "It surprised me (the red card) because it's normal to have contact in football. My movement wasn't (intended) to create damage or do something to the player. I just wanted to protect the ball, like I've done every time. It's unbelievable for me." "I don't know how many games they'll give me for the ban," he continued. "If it's one, OK. If it's not, I will do something," he added, before confirmed he felt the decision was "100%" incorrect." Finally, Behrami confirmed that he had received sympathy from his team-mates and insisted that Vidal's reaction played a major role in the referee's decision. "After seeing what happened, they just feel sorry for me," he said. "Of course I was surprised. I couldn't believe he gave me a red card for that, and also, what can I say - the Chile player, found himself too much people diving like this. He just maybe touched my hand and you can't just dive like this. "Of course my team-mates will go to the next round because we deserve that, and after this decision we deserve better. It will come back for us," he concluded.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 21st June 2010

Boa working hard
WHUFC.com
With two weeks left before he reports for pre-season training, Luis Boa
Morte is making sure he is in tip-top condition
20.06.2010

Luis Boa Morte will be a more than interested observer when Portugal take on
North Korea on Monday lunchtime. The West Ham United attacker is back in
Lisbon preparing for the start of pre-season. Although he has been keeping
himself ticking over for the start of training, he has also found time to
keep an eye on his country's fortunes in South Africa. A veteran of the 2006
finals, Boa Morte is hoping Portugal can at least emulate their run to the
semi-finals of four years ago. They began with a 0-0 draw against Ivory
Coast last week and will know that group favourites Brazil lie in wait in
Durban next Friday. Before all of that is the challenge of North Korea, who
lost 2-1 to the Brazilians last time out, in Cape Town. "We know that Brazil
would be the main team in the the group and everyone expects the second
place will be between Portugal and Ivory Coast," Boa Morte told whufc.com.
"After the first games, we have seen that North Korea are a solid team and
are happy to fight from the first to the last minute. It will be a really
interesting game. Portugal have good players so hope we can be too strong
for them."
Boa Morte has enjoyed being in his homeland this summer but is looking
forward to getting back to London and down to business - especially with the
new fixtures out and having just agreed a new two-year contract. "It is
always nice to be back in Portugal," he said. "I spent a big part of last
season there working on my rehab because of the injury as well but I would
rather have been at the club. Of course it is always good to go home and
spend time with the family but I have to work now and I want to work. That
is what I am paid to do."
Looking to the 2010/11 campaign, he said it looked a "tough start" but said
that everyone would be confident of the club holding their own. He is
particularly intrigued by the prospect of going to old club Fulham on Boxing
Day. Click here for all the new fixtures. "It is good for everyone to be in
London over Christmas. The fans can spend more time with the family but we
have a job to do and a match to win. It is a special derby for me and I am
looking forward to that."
Boa Morte is also excited by the prospect of teaming up with new signing
Thomas Hitzlsperger, the club's first recruit of a busy summer. "I played a
few times against Thomas. He is definitely a good player and he is one more
to come in and help the team achieve our targets. "I know everyone will make
him feel welcome like the club did when I signed. We have a good atmosphere
in the squad and he is one of us now. I am looking forward to meeting him."

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Behrami fit for Chile
WHUFC.com
Valon Behrami is in contention for Switzerland's second FIFA World Cup
fixture on Monday
19.06.2010

Valon Behrami will be fit for Switzerland's second FIFA World Cup Group H
fixture against Chile on Monday. With the club's England duo Robert Green
and Matthew Upson unfortunate to be overlooked for England's dour display
against Algeria on Friday night, the Hammers focus at the finals will turn
to the Swiss' second game. Their team doctor Cuno Wetzel has confirmed
Behrami has recovered from the groin muscle problem he picked up in the 1-1
warm-up draw with Italy in Geneva on 5 June. The injury ruled the midfielder
out of Switzerland's shock 1-0 win over European champions Spain in Durban
on Wednesday afternoon, but the 25-year-old is back in full training and
pushing hard for a place in Ottmar Hitzfeld's starting lineup. "Valon will
be ready for the Chile match," Dr Wetzel confirmed during a news conference
in which he also confirmed that Fulham defender Philippe Senderos would
definitely miss the Chile fixture due to an ankle injury. While Switzerland
are on a high following their surprise victory over the Spanish, Hitzfeld
will be keen to see Behrami and all-time record goalscorer Alex Frei, who
missed the game with an ankle problem, back in contention. The Swiss go into
Monday afternoon's meeting with the impressive South Americans in Port
Elizabeth knowing victory could guarantee their passage to the last 16 for
the second successive World Cup finals. However, Chile will also be full of
confidence after defeating Honduras 1-0 in their opening fixture. England
play their must-win third fixture against Slovenia on Wednesday afternoon,
when Upson will hope to replace the suspended Jamie Carragher, who was the
man to fill in for the injured Ledley King on Friday. Green, who has had
strong backing from Hammers fans, was dropped in favour of David James.

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Summer of 69
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 19th June 2010
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United have raised the price of their most expensive tickets to an
incredible £69 each for the 2010/2011 season. Band 1 tickets for the
freshly-introduced category AA matches will be priced at just a quid under
£70, despite many supporters struggling to meet existing ticket prices. The
price applies to both club members and non-members equally. Even a
restricted view seat will cost you £51 from this August - whilst disabled
supporters will have to fork out £25.50 each if they wish to attend the cat
AA games (of which only one is currently scheduled for next season).
Category A matches - formerly the highest band of tickets available - will
cost £64 each for band 1 tickets next season, a slight rise on last term. To
see the full list of ticket prices, click here. By comparison, tickets for
the top category matches at Old Trafford, home of current League Champions
Manchester United cost £49 (North/South stand centre) whilst Europa Cup
finalists Fulham charge £60 for seats in their RIverside stand. By contrast
nearest Premier League neighbours Tottenham, who will be playing Champions
League football next season charge £75 for their Category A West Upper
tickets - although that figure is dwarved by Arsenal's charge of £94 for
Category A's in the Emirates centre upper.

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Aubameyang open to offers
Milan striker linked with West Ham
By Giscard Gourizro Last updated: 19th June 2010
SSN

AC Milan striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has admitted he would be
interested in sealing a switch to the Premier League, although he could also
stay in France after a season-long loan with Lille. The 21-year-old joined
Milan in 2008 but was then immediately loaned out to Dijon in Ligue 2 for
the following campaign. He headed to Lille last summer and is now waiting to
find out whether he will spend a third year in France. Aubameyang has
reportedly attracted attention from Sochaux, although he has also been
linked with a move to West Ham. While the youngster concedes that he has
always dreamed of plying his trade in England, he is keeping his options
open and does not know what will happen before the transfer window closes.
"I would be excited to play in the Premier League like all young players,
but to stay in the French league would also be good," Aubameyang told
skysports.com. "We will see what will happen in the next two weeks."

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Parker pleased with Grant
Midfielder ready for new Hammers regime
Last updated: 20th June 2010
SSN

Scott Parker has indicated he plans to stay at West Ham next season
revealing he is looking forward to working under Avram Grant. Midfielder
Parker was one of West Ham's shining lights last season after a
disappointing campaign which culminated in Gianfranco Zola being sacked
earlier this summer. Grant has taken over at Upton Park and Parker is
relishing the opportunity of playing under the former Chelsea and Portsmouth
boss. "I have not met the new manager yet, but obviously he has impressed
the chairmen with the very good jobs he has done at other clubs," Parker
told the News of the World. "I am looking forward to meeting Avram and
talking to him about his ideas and what he wants to bring to the club."

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Mvuemba seeking Hammers deal
Former Pompey player excited by Grant's interest
Last updated: 19th June 2010
SSN

Lorient midfielder Arnold Mvuemba hopes to secure a free transfer to West
Ham after learning of interest from boss Avram Grant. Mvuemba becomes a free
agent at the end of June and the former France Under 21 international looks
set for a return to England having previously turned out for Portsmouth.
Grant, who was technical director at Fratton Park when Mvuemba was at the
club, has renewed his interest in the player as Hammers boss and the
25-year-old would jump at the chance to join West Ham. Mvuemba said: "I am
not just talking about any club, West Ham is a fantastic club and I like
their manager Avram Grant, he is one of the best managers in the world so if
he shows interest in you, it makes you feel confident. "I love the Premier
League, I want to play there again, I am not afraid of that league, it is
the best league in the world and there are contacts there." The former
Rennes playmaker admits that West Ham are not the only club interested in
his services, but Mvuemba is already eyeing up the prospect of living in
England's capital. He said: "I am a free agent so I will take my time with
my adviser to choose a club, but London would be a great place to live."

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Bolton ahead in Petrov race
Medical for Bulgarian at Reebok
Last updated: 19th June 2010
SSN

Martin Petrov is undergoing a medical with Bolton as they bid to land his
signature, skysports.com understands. A host of clubs are competing to sign
the Bulgarian, who is available on a free transfer after leaving Manchester
City earlier in the summer, but Bolton look to be ahead in the chase.
Everton, Aston Villa and West Ham are also thought to be interested in the
31-year-old - as well as clubs from around Europe - with interest emanating
from France, Germany and Spain. Bolton, though, are hoping to win the race
for his signature and Petrov is open to the idea of a move to the Reebok -
hence the medical he is set to undergo. But despite talks going well, it is
believed Bolton are still some way from convincing Petrov to sign and the
battle to land his signature is very much still on

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham future could slip away from Green
Published 23:00 20/06/10 By John Cross
The Mirror

Blunder keeper Rob Green could be dumped by West Ham to add to his World Cup
misery. Green, 30, is facing an uncertain future at cash-strapped Upton
Park. Boss Avram Grant could even end up replacing him with David James, who
also took his place in the England goal against Algeria last Friday. Owners
David Sullivan and David Gold want to to trim the wage bill and Green is one
of the possible departures, along with Matt Upson who only has 12 months
left on his contract. There have been no concrete bids from English clubs
but German club Schalke have been linked with the keeper.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HAMMERS TARGET £3M MARVEAUX
News Of The World
By Tom Lawrence, 19/06/2010

WEST HAM are poised to make a £3million move for Rennes' highly-rated winger
Sylvain Marveaux. Marveaux, 24, has been earning rave reviews in France and
has also been attracting interest from Chelsea and Manchester United. The
former France under-21 midfielder has already been compared to Chelsea's
Florent Malouda and is ready to showcase his talents in the Premier League.
West Ham are looking to strengthen their squad and new manager Avram Grant
has money at his disposal during the summer. Swiss international Valon
Behrami is expected to leave Upton Park while Mark Noble has been linked
with moves to Fulham and Stoke. Grant knows he needs to strengthen his wide
midfield positions and hopes Marveaux will follow in the footsteps of Thomas
Hitzlsperger who completed his move to West Ham last week.

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PARKER PLEDGES FUTURE TO HAMMERS
Star man impressed by Grant
News Of The World
By Tom Lawrence, 19/06/2010

WEST HAM midfielder Scott Parker is ready to pledge his long-term future to
the club after being impressed with the plans which Avram Grant has for the
team next season.
Parker, 29, was outstanding for the east London club and it came as no
surprise when he was voted the Player of the Season. Despite the club's
crippling finances, West Ham co-owner David Sullivan revealed he would
listen to any offers for his players - except for Parker. Parker said he
wanted assurances from the club's owners that they would splash the cash
during the summer and has been impressed with the signing of German
international Thomas Hitzlsperger. With more high profile signings to come
in the next few weeks, Parker is ready to end any speculation linking him
with a move away from Upton Park and play another major role for West Ham
next season. Parker said: "I have not met the new manager yet, but obviously
he has impressed the chairmen with the very good jobs he has done at other
clubs. "I'm looking forward to meeting Avram and talking to him about his
ideas and what he wants to bring to the club. I remember playing against
Thomas when he was with Villa and he's got a very good shot on him. He's a
very good addition. "Players like Thomas can only improve us and are the
type we all want to see coming in."
Parker was disappointed to be left out of the England World Cup squad after
coming so close to making it to South Africa. But the talented midfielder
has vowed to put that heartbreak behind him and come back even stronger for
West Ham at the start of the season. He added: "I'll be trying to recharge
my batteries and have some time to relax with my family before preparing to
return for pre-season and get ready for the new season."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Parker Looking Forward to Working with Avram Grant!
West Ham Till I Die

Scott Parker has been quoted by a number of sources as stating that he is
looking forward to working with Avram Grant. Obviously, this is not
conclusive proof that Scott Parker will to stay at the club. However, it is
a good indicator that he is reconciled to the new managerial regime and
looking towards next season.

Personally, I think that, after his relatively difficult time at Chelski and
Newcastle Utd, Parker has found a suitable stage at Upton Park upon which
to play his football. Certainly, Parker's form last season was probably the
best of his career.

Further stories emerged today in the media transfer rumour mill. The pick
of these was the newspaper story linking us with a c.£3m bid for the
promising Rennes wide player, Sylvain Marveaux. He is a former French U-21
international and a player that has attracted recent interest from Chelski
and Man Utd. At 24, Marveaux is a good age and could prove a bargain buy
for that type of fee.

Another rumour that surfaced over the weekend was that we might compete with
Birmingham City for the signature of Paul Konchesky. It may just be press
speculation, but if true then it could indicate that there is a question
mark over Illunga's future at the club. My preference would be to see a fit
and in-form Illunga competing with Daprela for the left-back spot next
season. However, after his injury wrecked 2009-10 season, I would not be
totally surprised if Illunga sought pastures new in the summer, with perhaps
a possible return to French football. We will have to watch out to see if
there are any further developments on that one?

The signing of players of the age of Hitzsperger, and possibly Marveaux, is
a good sign that Avram Grant will target younger players, rather than those
way past their best. Recent stories about signing some formerly notable
players, in their mid-30s, have been a bit worrying. We really do not need
to once again become a retirement home for players way past their best.

Of course that cannot be a blanket policy, a class player like Riquelme may
be 31, but he can certainly bring something extra to the squad. At the end
of the day, it is all about how much the player has left in the tank and the
individual contribution that they can make in the short-term. In addition,
it must also be recognised that the restructured squad needs experience in
key positions.

Another point of interest is the future of Valon Behrami. There are strong
rumours circulating that Grant may cash-in on him to help strengthen other
positions. This may well be true, but I doubt that Grant would want to lose
a player of Behrami's ability unless it is absolutely necessary.

I certainly do not believe that there is any legitimacy in the recent Mark
Noble to Stoke City rumour. Noble played a key role in West Ham's
successful survival bid in the final third of last season. He amply
demonstrated his combative abilities and his vision and range of passing.
It is time for Mark Noble to push on now as a senior Hammers player. And I
expect it to be in the midfield anchor role, where he can use his tackling
and ability to distribute the ball to best effect. As such, I fully expect
Grant to retain Noble's services next season.

The less said about Friday's evening's debacle in Cape Town the better!
Fabio Capello now needs to show his tactical flexibility and ability to
motivate and deploy his players to achieve an up-turn in performance and
results. In both the 1986 and 1990 WC Finals, Bobby Robson had to rip up
his original tactical and selection plans and try something different to
qualify for the 2nd phase. On both occasions, he listened to his players
and successfully introduced a revised tactical system. Does Capello have
the same ability to listen and adapt his plans? We shall see on Wednesday
afternoon?

Finally, it was interesting to read Sir Trevor Brooking's view that English
football has some truly outstanding prospects at U-16, U-17 and U-19 level.
All things being equal, these are the players that will come through for the
2016 European Championships and the 2018 WC Finals (hopefully staged in
England?). However, Sir Trev was also quoted as expressing some
reservations about the possible strength of our squad for the WC in 2014,
with the probable international retirement of the Lampards, Ferdinands and
Gerrards and their replacement by players, possibly, not of comparable
experience and international class.

I am sure that the likes of Johnston, Young, Milner, Rodwell, Shawcross and
Cahill (as well as hopefully some of West Ham's current youngsters) will
have something to say about that! In adddition, existing England players
such as Lennon, Woolcott, Rooney and Johnson will still be young enough for
selection in 2014. Who knows, perhaps a future England coach will be able
to mould their talents in to an effective team unit that is able to mount a
credible challenge?

After all, to-date, the so-called 'golden generation' have not exactly
delivered for England in the major tournaments, having failed in 2002, 2004,
2006 and 2008. Indeed, 2010 is their last realistic opportunity and whether
they deliver in SA will probably define how we come to view them
historically.

SJ. Chandos.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 19th June 2010

Boa Morte signs
WHUFC.com
West Ham United can confirm Luis Boa Morte has put pen to paper on a new
contract
17.06.2010

Luis Boa Morte has signed a new two-year contract at West Ham United and is
ready to play his part in what promises to be an exciting season for the
club. The Portugal attacker could have left the Boleyn Ground with the
expiry of his previous deal this summer, but has been rewarded following his
full recovery from a knee injury. Having scored on his return to action on
the final day of the last campaign against Manchester City, he is raring to
give his all for the Hammers once more. "I am delighted to sign the contract
and can't wait to get started," Boa Morte told whufc.com. "The new manager
Avram Grant is going to play an attacking style and I hope to get involved
in that. I am very happy to be at West Ham and look forward to scoring more
goals and doing everything I can for the team."
Boa Morte returned from a whole season on the sidelines after being hurt in
July 2009 to turn in a superb display in that 1-1 draw against City, with
his strike the first he has scored at the Boleyn Ground. He was given a
rapturous response from the supporters who appreciated his all-action
display. He added: "To be honest, I did have more options and more offers
from other people but I wanted to stay here. When the season finished, a few
clubs came to me about signing for them but West Ham believed in me and
things are looking positive here. "We have a new manager and I have seen he
has done good things with Chelsea and Portsmouth, reaching major finals
twice. The fans also had an impact on my decision to stay and I look forward
to playing for them again."
Boa Morte, who has played 81 times for the club since joining from Fulham
back in January 2007, admitted he had experienced tough times previously but
had always remained up for the claret and blue challenge. "Whatever things
have happened I have always been up for the fight and never turned my face
away from bad things. "In life you need to fight to win and achieve your
targets. That is what I am going to do, I am going to keep fighting. Now
that I have signed with the club for another two years I am going to do my
best for everyone. "It was sad what happened last season but I always had
confidence that I could come back. I have worked hard to get into shape.
What doesn't kill you makes you stronger and I am ready to give everything I
can. "I feel very good. The summer has been good, I have been working a
little bit and everything is OK. I want to have a good start to the season
and hit the ground running. My target is to do my best for the club. "We
want to have a good season and we should be aiming to try and get European
football. If you compete in your own league that's great but we would like
to do more. It is nice to compete against teams from other countries, get
different knowledge of the game and give the fans plenty to get excited
about."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Scott Parker exclusive
WHUFC.com
The Hammer of the Year has given his thoughts on the latest goings-on at
West Ham United
17.06.2010

Scott Parker may be enjoying a deserved summer break but the launch of the
2010/11 fixtures and new faces at the club has turned thoughts firmly to the
forthcoming campaign.
While the FIFA World Cup is dominating the back pages, it has also been a
busy summer at the Boleyn Ground, with new manager Avram Grant and Germany
midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger the first of what is expected to be a series
of high-profile arrivals. With extensive experience in this country and
abroad, Parker believes the presence of both will be of great benefit to the
club. "I have not met the new manager yet, but obviously he has impressed
the Chairmen with the very good jobs he has done at other clubs," Parker
told whufc.com. "I am looking forward to meeting Avram and talking to him
about his ideas and what he wants to bring to the club. "I remember playing
against Thomas when he was with Villa and he has got a very good shot on
him. He is a very good addition to the squad. Players like Thomas can only
improve us and are the type we all want to see coming in."
Before pre-season training starts on 5 July, Parker is enjoying some time
out with his family. The Hammer of the Year just missed out on the final
England squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup but his omission has a silver
lining. Not only will the 29-year-old have the opportunity to put his feet
up following a draining 2009/10 campaign, but he will also enjoy some
much-valued quality time with his wife and three young sons. "My summers
have changed so much since I was younger! Before I had children, I used to
go away for the whole summer, but now things are different. As anyone who
has children knows, you have to be there to take them to school and pick
them up and your plans have to fit around their school holidays. "Basically,
I'll be trying to recharge my batteries and have some time to relax with my
family before preparing to return for pre-season and get ready for the new
season."
While he is naturally disappointed to have missed out on playing at the
World Cup, Parker has been keeping a close eye on events in South Africa -
including club-mate Robert Green's unfortunate error against the United
States on Saturday. As a fellow professional and a friend, the midfielder is
confident the goalkeeper has all the mental and physical tools needed to put
the incident behind him. "As everybody has said and Rob has said himself, he
has made a mistake and he has fronted up. I heard someone say that, in
football, midfielders or centre-backs make umpteen mistakes in a game, but
they rarely lead to goals for the other team. When you play in goal, one
mistake in a game can be a massive deal. "I have played with Rob for three
years now and I know he will be able to handle it. Everybody knows what a
good goalkeeper he is and I am sure he will be able to come back and he will
be fine. "Rob has got bundles of experience and been around the game at the
top level for a long time. He is a mature character and I am sure he has got
his way of dealing with things."

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Hitz ready for Villa return
WHUFC.com
Thomas Hitzlsperger will kick-off his West Ham United career at former club
Aston Villa on 14 August
18.06.2010

If Thomas Hitzlsperger could not wait for his West Ham United debut, the
Barclays Premier League fixture computer has only whetted his appetite even
more. As so often happens in football, the Hammers have been paired with the
Germany international midfielder's former club Aston Villa on the season's
opening day. Understandably, the 28-year-old is desperate to turn out at
Villa Park on 14 August, five years after making the last of his 114 Villans
appearance in a 2-1 home defeat by Manchester City on 7 May 2005. "It's
funny - you know sometimes these things don't surprise you, because you
think it might happen! I am looking forward to it, be good to go back there.
I made over 100 appearances for them in the time I was there and it was
great, but I am looking forward to going there as a West Ham player and
helping my new club to hopefully get a good result."
Following their trip up the M6 to Birmingham, the Hammers face an intriguing
opening few weeks to the season, with champions Chelsea and Tottenham
Hotspur both visiting the Boleyn Ground and a visit to Manchester United
also on the agenda. Having spent five seasons in English football,
Hitzlsperger cannot wait to lock horns with the nation's top sides once
again. "These are matches that stand out of course for many people,
supporters, but all games I am looking forward to. They are tough opponents
because they are the best teams in the league but we will take every game as
it comes, whoever we are playing and I am just looking forward to playing
everyone we come up against."
The announcement of the fixtures is yet another warning that the 2010/11
campaign is rapidly approaching, with the season now just eight weeks away.
With pre-season training getting under way on Monday 5 July, Hitzlsperger is
anxious to get down to work after an injury-hit past few months. "It is
still a little way off yet I know [the new season] but I am getting a little
impatient now for it to all start. I am looking forward to meeting the
manager and my new team-mates and for pre-season to begin and then for the
season to start. "I signed and when it is this time of the year there is
then a wait for everything to start, but now the fixtures are out, it is
exciting, I can't wait to get started as a West Ham player."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
McNaughton signs up
WHUFC.com
Academy graduate Callum McNaughton has signed his first professional
contract
18.06.2010

West Ham United Academy graduate Callum McNaughton has agreed his first
professional contract with the club. The 18-year-old centre-back endured an
injury-hit 2009/10 season, with an ankle problem restricting him to just 12
FA Premier Academy League games. McNaughton battled back to fitness and
ended the campaign strongly, making three appearances for the reserves and
showing the promise that first brought him to the club four years ago.
Blessed with height, power and good passing ability, the teenager has agreed
a one-year deal and is now focused on taking the next step towards becoming
a Barclays Premier League footballer. "I am absolutely delighted,"
McNaughton told WHUTV. "I've been thinking about this for a long time and
been really anxious in the build-up to it, so I'm over the moon with it,
really. "I'm a centre-back. I'm tall and like heading the ball and don't
mind the dirty work. I just enjoy the game, really. I've been here since I
was 14. I was originally a centre midfielder, but at the age of 16 I moved
to centre-back and it's really gone well for me there. "It's a dream come
true as I never wanted to do anything else. All the hard work I put in has
paid off. The hard work starts again now, but to get this done is a great
achievement and I'm looking to push on again. It's massive."
While the presence of Matthew Upson, Manuel da Costa, Danny Gabbidon,
Jonathan Spector, James Tomkins and Jordan Spence means competition for
places in Avram Grant's squad will be fierce, McNaughton is determined to
make his presence felt. "I want to go as far as possible. I'm not putting
any limits on myself. I'm injury-free now and just want to go for the top.
"I definitely feel I have the attributes to follow in their footsteps. I'll
be around them a lot more next season, so I'm sure that'll be really good
for me. I really believe in myself and am looking to challenge them. "I want
to be a regular for the reserves this season but I want to push for the
first team, I'm not going to lie! Maybe I'll go out on loan somewhere and
get some first-team experience, but I want to push for the first team here
definitely."
While he is looking to the future, the defender also had words of thanks for
Academy Director Tony Carr, whose achievements were recognised by being made
an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours List at the weekend. "Tony is really
good. His reputation speaks for itself, but to be around him every day, you
can tell he is really passionate about football and that's what you want. He
cares about it, motivates you a lot and is a really great manager."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Shaka says
WHUFC.com
Shaka Hislop offers his unique view on the FIFA World Cup and the England
goalkeeping debate
18.06.2010

Almost exactly four years ago, England faced Trinidad and Tobago in their
second group-stage fixture at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. For 83 long minutes
in Nuremburg, all that stood between the Three Lions and a second
consecutive victory was West Ham United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop.
Unfortunately for the big stopper, late goals from Peter Crouch and Steven
Gerrard all but ended the tiny Caribbean nation's World Cup dreams. Four
years on and Hislop has swapped the penalty area for the television studio,
covering matches for US-based broadcaster ESPN International. Now 41, the
former Hammers favourite is in South Africa working as an expert summariser
and pundit. whufc.com caught up with the man who made 157 appearances for
the club to discuss the World Cup, the England goalkeeping situation and
West Ham.

Shaka, how are you enjoying the 2010 World Cup and what are you up to in
South Africa?

"It's really nice. It's a little bit cooler than I'd have liked but it's
going really well. I'm working ESPN International and we're doing a couple
of shows. One is South Africa Nightly which goes out on ESPN UK and Press
Pass, which is a show that we normally do five days a week, 52 weeks a year,
and goes out in virtually all ESPN's international territories bar the US."

Has it been a different type of experience to when you attended Germany 2006
as a player?

"It's been good fun. It's good to be here on the ground. I am getting to
enjoy the whole atmosphere around the tournament. As a player, we stayed in
a little town in the north of Germany and came into the towns just for the
games. We were bussed straight in and bussed straight back out.

"You don't really get to interact with the fans or experience the country or
the tournament. I admit, I had friends and family who came to Germany and we
thoroughly enjoyed the experience of mixing with people from all over the
world, but as a player you are kept very much apart from that.

"Here, I am experiencing some of it but not as much as I would like, I
freely admit, because of our recording schedule. I can't stray too far from
where our studios are, but it's good to be on the ground and talking to
people here.

"With it being the first World Cup in Africa, it is good to speak to them
about their expectations around their teams. It's good to interact with
everybody and get a real feel for the tournament and what it means to the
fans."

Shaka Hislop

How special has it been for South Africa and the continent of Africa as a
whole to host the World Cup for the first time?

"South Africa is into a number of different sports, most notably rugby and
cricket, but everybody has rallied around Bafana Bafana for this World Cup.

"That has come as the expectations have grown with this team. At the back
end of last year, this team couldn't buy a win, but they appointed Carlos
Alberto Parriera and up until the game against Uruguay, South Africa had
been undefeated in 2010.

"The team was playing with confidence and the fans were really starting to
appreciate that and their confidence grew. There is a real sense of history
being made here with a World Cup being held in Africa and everybody has
embraced that side of it as well."

You know both Robert Green and your old West Ham team-mate David James very
well, so which one would you start in goal for England against Algeria on
Friday evening?

"I have to admit, when I saw Rob Green starting, I assumed that David James
was injured, but there were rumours coming out of the camp saying otherwise.

"Certainly for me, David is a bigger character. This is a harsh stage to
learn your lessons on. Rob Green is a talented goalkeeper but doesn't have
the experience, certainly at international level, that David does.

"As he found out in the first game, mistakes at this level and particularly
in the World Cup, are very difficult to take and hard to swallow. I think
he'll be a better goalkeeper in the long run, but certainly at the moment it
is something he'll have to come to terms with."

The World Cup seems to have sprung to life in the second round of
group-stage matches. Why do you think that is?

"I have always felt that the first games are less exciting, attacking
affairs. We have been looking at the stats of winning, losing or drawing
your first game and how it affects your chance of going through. I think 86
per cent of those who win their first game go through to the second round,
while it drops down to eight per cent for those who lose their first game.

"I always felt that people play for a draw in their first games. What
happens is that they want to win, but it's more important not to lose and we
saw that. With a few exceptions - Australia being beaten by Germany 4-0 -
they were very cagey, very defensive affairs. Teams hoped to defend well and
catch the other team on the break and get more than they could have
imagined.

"The second games are where it really starts to open up because they need to
get three points on the board. They can't leave things to chance with only
one game to go after this one. It is always the second game where the
tournament really starts to open up and you start to see teams play."

Shaka Hislop

Back here in England, West Ham have a new manager and expect to bring in a
few new faces ahead of the 2010/11 season. What do you think the future
holds for your old club?

"West Ham will always be a very special place for me - the way the club is
run, the history behind the club and the playing mentality are what the fans
want to see.

"I've met Avram Grant on a couple of occasions and he is a wonderful man. I
hope he does a great job at West Ham and takes the club to where it should
be.

"For long periods last season, the club flirted with relegation and nobody
likes to see that, but in typical West Ham fashion, they didn't sacrifice
the playing style for points.

"I hope Avram respects the traditions of West Ham United and gets results.
Whether that means wholesale changes, I'm not sure that is necessary, but he
certainly needs to get everybody on the same page."

Finally, you have a vast knowledge of players from North America and the
Caribbean, some of whom have made a real impact in English football. Do you
feel this is a region that West Ham should be looking at to recruit new
talent?

"There is a lot of talent there that is readily available and, by
comparison, available cheaply. There is no hiding that a lot of these
players need good coaching and lack the experience that players from the UK
have at a similar age, but as long as someone is prepared to make the
sacrifice to work to develop these players, then I think there are quite a
few gems to be had.

"If you look at the case of Dwight Yorke, everybody thought Graham Taylor
was taking a massive chance on taking Dwight to Aston Villa. However, when
you look back now, everybody agrees it was a wonderful gamble that paid
dividends.

"I believe there are quite a few similar players to be found who can come
over and do well and earn clubs some good money in the process."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Luis Boa Morte signs two-year contract at West Ham
BBC.co.uk

West Ham's Luis Boa Morte has signed a new contract only a month after
lambasting co-owner David Sullivan. The 32-year-old Portuguese midfielder
returned in April after nine months out with a serious knee injury. But in a
TV interview in May he criticised Sullivan for "hammering" the players, who
were involved in a relegation battle. He later apologised. Boa Morte, who
signed a two-year deal, said he looked forward to working with new manager
Avram Grant. He said: "I am delighted to sign the contract and can't wait to
get started. The new manager is going to play an attacking style and I hope
to get involved in that. "I am very happy to be at West Ham and look forward
to scoring more goals and doing everything I can for the team."
Boa Morte, who signed for £5m from Fulham in 2007, said: "To be honest I did
have more options and more offers from other people, but I wanted to stay
here. "When the season finished a few clubs came to me about signing for
them but West Ham believed in me and things are looking positive here." He
added: "We have a new manager and I have seen he has done good things with
Chelsea and Portsmouth, reaching major finals twice. The fans also had an
impact on my decision to stay and I look forward to playing for them again."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Who are you going to blame today?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 18th June 2010
By: Staff Writer

Rob Green and Matthew Upson had a lucky escape tonight as both were absent
from the England team that failed miserably against Algeria. Fabio Capello's
team stumbled to a goalless draw against the Group B whipping boys minus
Upson and 'keeper Green, who was shamefully dropped as a result of the
mistake against the USA, by a manager pandering to the pressure of the
national media. Sadly the Italian, who is set for another roasting in the
press tomorrow morning failed to make changes in other areas of the team,
and the usual suspects - from the usual clubs - produced a performance as
embarassing as any witnessed in recent years. With Green's omission proof
that a major mistake could cost the players their place in the team, most of
the England team played as if that fact was weighing heavily upon their
minds. The result leaves England needing a win against Slovenia to progress
to the knock-out stage of the tournament. Matthew Upson could well feature
as Jamie Carragher received a second caution in tonight's game, ruling him
out.

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Hung out to dry
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 18th June 2010
By: Staff Writer

Rob Green has been dropped for tonight's England clash with Algeria. The
West Ham keeper, who was savaged by the nation's gutter press following an
uncharacteristic error against the United States last weekend is replaced by
39-year-old David 'Calamity' James, a goalkeeper with possible more
high-profile bloopers to his name than any other England goalkeeper. Matthew
Upson, United's other member fo the squad is also expected to start on the
bench. Once again, Jamie Carragher - who was given a roasting by rookie
Zavon Hines at the Boleyn last season - is expected to start.

* West Ham's only representative in the US squad, Jonathan Spector, was an
unused substitute as the Americans won a close-fought game 2-2.

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New deal for winger
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 17th June 2010
By: Staff Writer

Luis Boa Morte has agreed a one-year contract extension with West Ham, tying
him to the club until summer 2011. The Portuguese winger has looked set to
part company with the club at the end of last season as his existing
three-and-a-half-year deal had ended. However the 31-year-old was somewhat
surpringly offered an extended contract and it has just been confirmed that
a deal has been struck. Talking via whufc.com, Boa Morte said: "I am
delighted to sign the contract and can't wait to get started. The new
manager is going to play an attacking style and I hope to get involved in
that. I am very happy to be at West Ham and look forward to scoring more
goals and doing everything I can for the team. "I did have more offers from
other people but I wanted to stay here. When the season finished, a few
clubs came to me about signing for them but West Ham believed in me and
things are looking positive here. We have a new manager and I have seen he
has done good things with Chelsea and Portsmouth, reaching major finals
twice. The fans also had an impact on my decision to stay and I look forward
to playing for them again."
Boa Morte - who openly criticised joint Chairman David Sullivan live on the
BBC Match of the Day programme on the final day of last season - joined
United in a £5million switch in January 2007 but saw much of his career at
the Boleyn blighted by injury.

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Boa Morte pens Hammers deal
West Ham hand winger two-year contract
By James Dall Last updated: 17th June 2010
SSN

West Ham United have revealed the club have handed winger Luis Boa Morte a
new contract. The Portuguese's previous terms at Upton Park were due to
expire this summer, and last month Boa Morte confirmed he expected to part
ways with the Hammers. However, West Ham have announced they have agreed a
new deal with the 32-year-old, rewarding him with a two-year contract. The
left-sided player joined the Hammers from Fulham for £5million in 2007 but
has struggled for fitness since the switch. In particular last season Boa
Morte played just once for the Premier League club, but he will be now
looking for a fresh chapter under new boss Avram Grant. He told the club's
official website: "I am delighted to sign the contract and can't wait to get
started. "The new manager Avram Grant is going to play an attacking style
and I hope to get involved in that.
"I am very happy to be at West Ham and look forward to scoring more goals
and doing everything I can for the team."
He continued: "To be honest, I did have more options and more offers from
other people but I wanted to stay here. "When the season finished, a few
clubs came to me about signing for them but West Ham believed in me and
things are looking positive here. "We have a new manager and I have seen he
has done good things with Chelsea and Portsmouth, reaching major finals
twice. The fans also had an impact on my decision to stay and I look forward
to playing for them again."

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West Ham aim to hijack Birmingham move for Fulham ace
Published 22:30 18/06/10 By James Nursey
The Mirror

West Ham have emerged as a rival to Birmingham for the signature of Fulham
full-back Paul Konchesky. Konchesky has just one-year left on his contract
at Craven Cottage and wants a fresh challenge. Birmingham are favourites for
his signature, but Barking-born Konchesky would prefer a move back to his
former club West Ham, where he played from 2005-07. If the Hammers pip
Birmingham to Konchesky it could cause fresh friction between owners David
Sullivan and David Gold and their St Andrews successors.
Sullivan and Gold recently had to settle out-of-court with Carson Yeung, who
issued a High Court writ against them following his takeover.

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West Ham order McCarthy: Shape up or ship out
Published 22:30 18/06/10 By James Nursey
The Mirror

West Ham have ordered Benni McCarthy to lose weight before pre-season - or
face the chop. South African striker McCarthy, 32, failed to score for the
Hammers following a £2million January move from Blackburn. And the star
infuriated his paymasters as he piled on the pounds despite earning
£50,000-a-week. McCarthy was subsequently embarrassingly dropped by South
Africa for their home World Cup finals. McCarthy, the nation's record
goal-scorer, is now expected to retire following a 79-cap international
career. And Hammers fans may have seen the last of McCarthy too unless he
trims his weight after his body mass index (BMI) hit 24.2.

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West Ham new boy Hitzlsperger eyes opening day victory at former club Villa
Published 12:26 18/06/10 By James Nursey
The Mirror

Thomas Hitzlsperger believes it is fate he will start his West Ham career
with victory at his old club Aston Villa. German midfielder Hitzlsperger,
28, recently joined the Hammers on a free transfer from Italian club Lazio.
He is in line to make his debut at Villa Park as Avram Grant's side visit on
the opening day. And Hitzlsperger can't wait after starring for Villa from
2000-2005 before moving to Stuttgart. Hitzlsperger said: "It's funny - you
know sometimes these things don't surprise you because you think it might
happen. "I am looking forward to it, it will be good to go back there. "I
made over 100 appearances for them in the time I was there and it was great,
but I am looking forward to going there as a West Ham player and helping my
new club to hopefully get a good result. "Now the fixtures are out, it is
exciting. I can't wait to get started as a West Ham player. "It is still a
little way off yet I know but I am getting a little impatient now for it to
all start."

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PARMA MAKE LOAN MOVE FOR DIAMANTI
Final decision rests with Grant
News Of The World
12/06/2010

WEST HAM star Alessandro Diamanti is set to be the subject of a loan bid by
Italian side Parma. Diamanti, who scored eight goals in his first season at
Upton Park following a £7m move from Livorno, has constantly been linked
with a move back to Italy. The 27-year-old has struggled to adapt to the
physical nature of the English game and was often left on the substitutes'
bench during last season's relegation struggle. New Hammers boss Avram Grant
is keen to give the existing squad the chance to prove itself but could be
persuaded to allow Diamanti to make the move back home. Parma, who just
missed out on a place in next season's Europa League, are desperate to add
the talented playmaker to their ranks as they look to build on last year's
eighth-placed finish. New Parma manager Pasquale Marino, who was unveiled at
the start of the month, is a huge admirer of Diamanti and remains hopeful of
landing his chief target. But Grant will have the last say on all transfer
matters and Diamanti's future rests solely in the Israeli's hands.

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